A low-quality video posted to a Chinese website on Monday offers what is purported to be one of the first looks at a working version of Apple's rumored low-cost "iPhone 5C," with the device shown navigating the Online Apple Store with iOS 7's Safari app.

Two sets of images out of the Far East purportedly show a Quick Start guide with attached SIM card eject tool and packaging for Apple's widely rumored "iPhone 5C," a more affordable plastic handset said to be making its debut in the coming weeks.

AppleCare employees have been restricted from taking time off for a two-week period, from Sept. 15 through 28 — a span during which Apple is expected to launch its new iPhone lineup, as well as the revamped iOS 7 mobile operating system.

In a video that hit the Web on Monday, a purported gold colored "iPhone 5S" and a blue "iPhone 5C" were stacked against the current iPhone 5, offering a detailed look at how the three compare from a variety of different angles.

Japanese publication Nikkei reported Wednesday that Apple is set to release both a next-generation "iPhone 5S," as well as a less-expensive "iPhone 5C," in the country on Sept. 20 through cellular carriers SoftBank and KDDI.

While it doesn't offer any new information, a report from The Wall Street Journal published Monday reaffirms what most observers already expect: Apple is planning to launch two iPhone models in early September, including an entirely new low-cost option.

Apple's anticipated plastic "iPhone 5C" is reportedly on track to outship the high-end "iPhone 5S" this quarter, as the latter faces apparent production issues associated with a new fingerprint sensor.

This fall, Apple's newly revamped iPhone lineup is expected to include the high-end "iPhone 5S," a plastic "iPhone 5C," and a low-end option with the legacy iPhone 4S, according to a well-connected insider.

In a research note issued to investors on Monday, Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster predicts Apple may scale back iOS 7 on a rumored low-cost iPhone, possibly hobbling the handset by deactivating features like Siri.

Adding to a mounting pile of rumors about Apple's upcoming iPhone offerings, a report on Sunday claims a new plastic model will be called the "iPhone 5C," while the iPhone 5 follow-up is to be dubbed "iPhone 5S" and will come in a gold color option.

China Unicom has turned its focus to low-cost smartphones in an effort to win over new customers now that the carrier is no longer China's exclusive iPhone provider, and the strategy appears to be working.

In perhaps yet another sign that the premium smartphone market may be maturing, struggling handset maker HTC has predicted its first-ever operating loss, and revealed it plans to concentrate more on mid-range phones.